Machine for removing stockings from forms.



H. GOULSTON & W. M. SCHWARTZ. momma r03 REMOVING s rooxmes FROM FORMS. APPLICATION FILED MAY 14, 1913.

1,126,619. Patented Jan. 26, 1915.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

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MACHINE FOR REMOVING STOCKINGS FROM FORMS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 14. 1913.

1,126,619; Patented Jan.26,1915.

10 SHEETSSBBET 2.

H. GOULSTON 8; W. M. SCHWARTZ.

MACHINE FOR REMOVING STOCKINGS FROM FORMS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 14, 1918.

1,126,619. Patented Jan.26,1915.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

H. GOULSTON & W. M. SCHWARTZ.

MACHINE POE REMOVING STOCKINGS FROM FORMS.

APPLIGATION FILED MAY 14, 1913.

1,126,61 9. Patented Jan.26,1915.

10 SHEET8-SHEET 4.

1 Win mwym film/K m H. GOULSTON & W. M SCHWARTZ. MACHINE FOR REMOVING STOGKINGS FROM FORMS.

APPLIQATION FILED MAY 14, 1913. r 1 Patented Jan. 26, 1915.

10 SHEETSSHEET 5.

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APPLIOATION FILED MAY 14, 1918.

1,126,619., Patented Jan.26,1915.

- l0 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

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H. OOULSTON & W. M. SCHWARTZ. MACHINE FOR REMOVING STOCKINGS PROM FORMS. v

APPLICATION FILED MAY 14, 1913 1,126,619. Patented Jan.26, 191

10 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

H. COULSTON & W. M. SCHWARTZ. MACHINE FOR REMOVING STOCKINGS FROM FORMS.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 14, 1913.

1,126,61 9. Patented Ja11.26, 1915.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

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I070 9 I06 8 I '85 W g 2 4 2 27/ v 4 I 2 70 g z i 2 2 Z Z 4 9 f L H ii I H. OOULSTON & W. M. SCHWARTZ.

MACHINE FOR REMOVING STOCKINGS 'FROM FORMS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 14. 1913.

Patented Jan. 26, 1915.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

H. GOULSTON & W. M SCHWARTZ. 11110111113 FOR REMOVING STOCKINGS FROM FORMS.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 14, 1913 Patented Jan. 26, 1915.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 10.

WW pray/ L United UNITED sTATEs P E T OFFICE.

HARRY coULsToN AND WALTER M. SCHWARTZ,,OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA,

ASSIGNORS To THE PHILADELPHIA TEXTILE MACHINERY coMPA Y, 0 PHILA- DELPI-IIA, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

MACHINE FOR REMOVING STOCKINGS FROM FORMS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J an, 26, 1915.

Application filed May 14, 1913.v Serial No. 767,649.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that we, HARRY COULSTON and WALTER M. SCHWARTZ, citizens of the States, residing in Philadelphia, county of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain Improvements in Machines for Removing Stockings from Forms, of which the following is a specification.

7 Our invention relates to certain improvements in means for handling stockings dur ing the manufacture of the same and particularly in connection with means for drying stockings, where the. stockings are placed upon stocking forms.

The object of our invention is to provide means for automatically removing astocking from the stocking form.

The invention also relates to improvements in means for carrying the stockings through a drying chamber and also relates to the means for piling stockings and discharging them intermittently in given quan tities. I

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is afront View illustrating our improved stocking drier and the mechanism for automatically removing the forms from the stockings; Fig. 2 is an end view; Fig. 3 is a plan view; Fig. 4 is an enlarged transverse. sectional view of the drier on the line (1-0, Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a plan view of one end of the machine showing the carriers and a part of the track; Fig. 6 is a view, in elevation, of the mechanism illustrated inFig. Fig. 7 is a detached, perspective view, of the czmi plate illustrated in Fig. 6: Fig.8 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a portion of the driving mechanism for the car 'iers; Fig. S) is a sectional plan view'on the line cc, Fig. 1, illustrating the, cam shafts; Figs. 10 and 11 are views illustrating the counting mechanism connected to the table on which the stockings are placed after theparts are withdrawn; Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view on the line bb, Fig. 2, showing the mechanism for gripping the toe and the heel of a stocking; Fig. 13 is a perspective View of the upper portion of the toe and the heel gripping mechanism; Fig. 14 is a sectional view of one of the grippers; Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating one of the automatically discharged therefrom.

plungers of the grippers; Figs. 16 to 20,

incluslve, are diagrammatic plan views illustrating different steps. in the process of. gripping a stocking and removing the form therefrom; Figs. 21 to 23, inclusive, are detached perspective views of they carrier and the parts mounted thereon; Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the spindle, which is attached to the stocking form; Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the counterweight; Figs. 26, 27, and 28 are face views of the operating cams of the grippers; Fig. 29 is a view of the counterweight for the toe gripper, and Fig. 30 is a detached perspective view of the clamping head and the lower portion of the form.

Before proceeding with the description of the construction of the machine, we will refer particularly to Figs. 16 to 20, inclu sive, which show different steps in the process of removing the stocking form from a stocking, the process being fully set forth and claimed in an application for patent filed by Harry Coulston on the 26th day of February, 1913, Serial No. 750,873.

In the present instance, the apparatus is used for removing stocking forms from stockings after the stockings have been dried in a drying chamber. The form, with a stocking thereon, 1s automatically placed movement is continued, the toe and heel grippers assuming a differentlposition so that a stockir g, after the form is removed, is at a different angle from that at which it was first placed in the grippers. \Vhen the form has been entirely removed, then a stocking is released from the grippers and is dropped upon a table. In the present instance, twenty-four stockings accumulate, one above another, on the table and are The form is then traversed to a position where another stocking is placed thereon, after which it is traversed to a position where it is located between the rippers and the above operati is repeated.

We will first describe theconstruction of the drying chamber, the endless way, and

the carriers for the stocking forms, and will is rounded and the front of the drying chamber projects over the rear edge of the bed. This construction allows the stocking forms to travel in the drier, while the carrier travels in guides at the rear of the bed. Extending transversely through the drier is a shaft 4, on which is a fan 5 made -in the ordinary manner. This fan .is located in an opening 6 in a partition 7 curved at the upper end, as shown, and in the partition is an opening 8 near the upper end of the drier.

9 is a nest of steam pipes located in front of the fan, in the present instance, and, as the shaft, with the fan thereon, rotates, a current of air will travel through the drying chamber in the manner indicated in Fig. 4.

1010 are doors, one located at each side of the drying chamber, and hinged to the body portion, as shown in Fig. 2. When the doors are opened, access can be had to the interior of the drying chamber.

11 and 12 are vertical slots in the front wall of the drying chamber and are so located that a door forms one wall of each slot. These slots are for the purpose of allowing the flat stocking forms; with the stockings thereon, to enter and leave the drying chamber, as the machine is traversed in an endless path.

It will be understood that while this particular form of drier is used in carrying out the invention, other types of drierscan be employed, if desired.

The bed 1, in the present instance, as illustrated in Fig. 3, is quadrangular in shape and in the bed is an endless way 13 in which slide carriers 14, which support the stocking forms 15. The guides are formed by two sets of overhanging plates 16, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 4. By removing the top plates, the carriers can be readily detached, if necessary. On each carrier is a head 17 for the spindle 18 to which the stocking form 15 is attached. This stocking form is free to turn in the head and the head is free to swing on the carrier. Thus, the stocking forms can be turned to pass through the narrow slots in the drier casing and the entire board and head can be turned to a horizontal position when the carrier has reached a point where the grippers act to hold the stocking as the form is removed therefrom. The carriers are driven through the ways by mechanism similar to that set forth in the patent granted to us on the 25th day of February, 1913, and numbered 1,054,459.

The fan shaft 4 is the driving shaft and on this shaft: is a cone pulley 19 around which passes a belt 20 to another cone pulley 21 on a shaft 22 having bearings 23, Fig. 4.' On the shaft 22 is agear wheel 24 which meshes with a gear wheel 25 on a shaft 26 adapted to bearings 23 and on this shaft is a worm 27 which meshes, in turn, witha worm wheel 28, loose on the cam shaft 29. This cam shaft has a clutch 30 thereon which is arranged to engage-the teeth on the hub of the worm wheel 28 and the clutch is'controlled by a lever 31 connected by a rod 32 which can either be operated by a handle 33 or by a treadle 34, illustrated in Fig. 1. On the cam shaft 29 are two ribbon cams 35 and 35 The shaft 29 is geared to two transverse shafts 36 and 37 having cams 38 and 39 re-' spectively thereon and these shafts, in turn,

are geared to the shaft 40 in front of the machine which has a cam 41 of the form illustrated in Fig. 9. The cams are so shaped that during the travel of the carriers over the bed they will dwell at given points at the rear of the bed. The carriers accumulate and are pushed forward by one carrier bearing against another. This allows a number of carriers to remain in the drier until thestockings are properly dried. The cam 41 has an elongated steep section so that the form will be removed from a stocking on one revolution of the cam, the balance of the cam being so shaped that the forms will be moved slowly to allow the operator to place the stockings on the forms.

It will be noticed that the carriers and their heads are so made that the stocking form assumes the same inclined position while in the drier, as illustrated in Fig. 4, as it does in traveling through the guides at the front of'the machine. This enables the operator to readily place a stocking on the form prior to entering the drier and the form is free to turn'in the head 'so that the operator can properly place a stocking on a form in such manner that there will be no wrinkles in the stocking and either side of the stocking can be inspected prior to its entering the drying chamber.

V hen each carrier traverses to the extreme end of the way at the front of the machine, then it is released from the control reaches the end of the longitudinalslot at the rear of the bed 1, it is engaged by the ram 38 on the shaft 36 and a guide 43 holds the form in position so that it will readily pass out of the casing through the slot 12. Each carrier is constructed as follows: The

head 17 of the carrier 14 has an inclined 'ancing the stocking form. The weight may be made integral with the bearing bracket, if desired. ()n the end of the stem 18 1s a projection 51 which is engaged by the guides 42 and 43 and which hold the form in the proper position to enter and leave the drier casing through the slots. This construction -is illustrated in the detached perspective views 21 to 25 inclusive.

As illustrated in Fig. 4, the overhanging portion of the casing extends over the rear guideway .in the bed and the spindle 18 passes through a slot 52, formed in the under side of the drier casing so that by this construction very little of the hot air which circulates in the casing is allowed to escape and the slots being narrow also tend to confine the air within the casing.

is a rail which extends along the rear of the bed 1 and above the slot and also ex tends at the delivery end of the bed, as illustrated in Fig. 3. The roller 48 rests upon this rail and prevents the stocking form from tilting laterally. After a stocking form has passed out of the slot 12, it is still under the control of the rail 53, but this rail has a depressed end 54 which allows the;

' stocking form to swing laterally and the wheel 48 enters a'groove 55 in the cam plate 56 (Fig. 7) and the form commences to move from the vertical to the "horizontal position. When the bearing bracket is turned. on its pivot, the roller 49 will rest on the upper cam surface 57 of the cam plate 56 and, as the carrier is moved forward, the roller 48 leaves the cam plate and when the roller is opposite the end of the cam plate,'the stocking form 15 is in the horizontal osition, being supported by a fixed ide 58 projecting from the bed 1, as illus rated in' Figs. 5 and 6.

In order to' limit the movement of the bracket 46 on the carrier 14, we provide two stops 147 and 148'which engage a projection 149 on the head 17,- Fig. 21. When the form is in the. vertical position, the pin 147 engages the stop 149 and,{'with the counterweight holds the form in the vertical posi tion. The stop vpin 148 strikes the stop 149 and limits the movement of the form in the horizontal position.

In order to prevent the carrier from moving forward too rapidly when traversing over the cam plate 56, we provide a cam section 59 extending parallel with the cam 38 and mounted on the shaft 36 so that the projection of the carrier is held between the two cams 38 and 59, consequently, the carrier will be under the control of the said shaft 36. The carrier is now in the position to be traversed transversely across the front of the bed and, as it moves, the form 15 will bewithdrawn from the stocking which has been engaged by the grippers. This movement is in the horizontal plane, as illustrated in the several diagrammatic Figs. 16 to 20, inclusive.

When a form is entirely removed from a stocking, the roller 48 strikes the end of a rail 60 and this causes the roller to roll over upon the rail at the same time a curved cam plate 61, which is located opposite the end of the rail, Figs. 1 and 3, turns the stocking form on its pivot so as to present its side to the operator. The form is now in a position for the operator to place another stocking thereon from a pile on the table 62. The roller 48 travels on the rail 60 holding the stocking forms in the proper position and the operation is repeated.

.The stocking forms-are'deta'chab'ly mounted on the spindle 18, said spindle having a clamp head 63 made in two parts between which a stocking form is held. A nut 64, on a centrally located bolt, secures the clamps to the form, Fig. 24. The fixed portion of the clamp head has a V-shaped projection and the movable portion has a V-shap ed 'r'ecess to fit over the projection while the lower end of the stocking form has a V-shaped notch adapted to the projection. When the parts are assembled, the form is held properly to the spindle.

Inorder to hold the stocking forms in the proper position while in the drier, we form an extension on the clamp directly below the form which fits the iideway and prevents the form, or its spind e, from turning sothat the forms will travel through the drying chamber s de byside. When the carriers are traveling in the forward guideway this extension is not engaged and, consequently, the

and-'3 and Figs. 12 to'15, inclusive, atone end of the machine is located the mechanism for holding a stocking while the form is withdrawn therefrom. This-mechani'sm-com sists of two grippers, one for fth'e heelQ-aiid one for the toe of'a' stocking and theatersnism is so arranged'that if a stocking form, with a stocking thereon, is placed in the horizontal position the grippers are opened and the stocking rests on the lower member of each gripper, after which the upper member of the gripper is automatically moved over the stocking and sufficient pressure is applied so that when the stocking form is moved longitudinally the grippers retain the stocking and allow the form to be removed therefrom, the grippers releasing the stocking at the proper time to allow it to drop on to a support or table.

A frame projects from one end of the machine and consists of apost to which are attached two horizontal rails 66, one end of each of which is attached to the leg 2 which supports the bed 1. Projecting from the rails 66 are rails 67 to which is attached a vertical post 68. Secured to this post by clamp bearings 69 is a hollow shaft 70. Within this shaft is a tubular shaft 71 and mounted within the tubular shaft is a solid shaft 72, Fig. 12. The cam shaft 40 which extends along the front portion of the bed projects laterally and is mounted in a bearing 7 3-secured to the framework abovementioned and on the shaft are three cams 74, 75, and 76, each having a cam way cut as illustrated in Figs. 26, 27 and 28. The cam 74 actuates the rack 77 through the slide 78 which has a pin provided with a roller which enters the groove in the cam 74. The rack is held by a grooved roller '7 9 mounted in brackets secured to one of the lower bearings 69, Fig. 12, andzon the end of the tubular shaft is a pinion 80 which meshes with the rack 77 so that the tubular-shaft 70 is turned as dictated by the cam 74. The hollow shaft 70 is connected by two parallel rods 81 to a head 82 which carries the gripping mechanism so that on turning the hollow shaft 70, the gripping mechanism will be moved around the shaft 70 as a center. The object of this movement will be described hereinafter.

The tubular shaft 71 has a pinion 83 at its lower end, Fig. 12, with which meshes the teeth of a rack 84 which is connected to a rod 85 having a pin provided with a roller which enters the slot in the cam 76. A flanged roller 86 holds the teeth of the rack in mesh with the teeth of the pinion 83. On

the upper end of the tubular shaft 71 is an arm 87 and this armis connected by a rod 88 to an arm 89 secured to the upper end of the tubular spindle 90 of a head 91 which carries thetwo rods 92and 93 on which the grippers are mounted. The rod 92, in the present instance, is round and the rod 93 is square. Carried by the two rods 92 and 93 are two bearings 94 and 95. The bearing 94 carries .the .-fixed portion 94" of the heel clamp 96 and the bearing carries the fixed portion 97. of the toe clamp 98. While the rod 92 is rigid, the square rod 93 turns in the bearings 94 and 95, and in the head 91, and actuates the movable portions 99 and 100 of the heel and toe clamps 96 and 98.

The shaft 72 has a pinion 101 at its lower end which meshes with the teeth on the rack 102, held in place by the roller 86 and connected to a rod 102 having'a pin and roller which enters the slot in the cam 75. At the upper end of the shaft 72 is an arm 103 connected by a rod 104 to one arm of a bell cranklever 105 having its bearings in a bracket 106 projecting from the head 82. The other armof the bell crank lever 105 is connected by a rod 107 which extends through the hollow spindle and is connected to an arm 108 mounted on the square rod 93 so that, when the shaft 72 is turned, "the able heel gripper 99, while the arm 110 is connected by a link 113 to an arm 114 of the movable toe gripper 100. Each movable gripper 99 and 100 is pivoted on shaft 92, as illustrated in Fig. 14.

115 is a series of plungers having heads 116 forming shoulders. Back of the heads are coiled springs 117 which force the plungers against the fixed gripping member. The pins 118 limit the movement of the plungers when the movable grippingmember is raised. The under side of each plunger is ribbed,or otherwise roughened, as indicated in Fig. 15, so as to engage the fabric of the stocking without having to place too great a pressure upon the fabric which would tend to prevent the withdrawal of the form. Thus it will be seen that by shaping the" cams 74, 75 and 76, the gripping members can be actuated in time with the movement of the carriers on which the stocking forms are mounted so as to allow a form, with a stocking'thereon, tobe placed in. position, after which the grippers are closed upon the stock ing and movedlaterally so as to allow each form to be removed from a'stocking with the.

least strain upon the fabric.

. It will be noticed that the bearing 95 carrying the toe. gripper 98 can slide on the rods 92 and 93 and this movement in one direction is limited by a collar 119 adjustable on the rod 92. Connected to the bearing 95 is a cord 120-attached to a weighted segment 121 pivoted at 122 to a bracket secured to the rod 92 and illustrated in Fig. '29. Theobject of. this construction is to allow the two As soon as the toe portion of .the form leaves the toe portion of the stocking the Weight returns the toe gripper to its normal position.

'lxeferring to Figs. 16 to 20. inclusive, Fig.

' 16 illustrates the position of the toe and heel 18 illustrates the first movement of the form,

the toe. of the form moving out of the toe of the stocking. In this position the heel is moved first, the toe gripper moving toward the heel gripper in order to allow the portion as of the stocking (Fig. 17) to pass the heel of the form. The form does not move longitudinally in a direct line with the leg of the stocking, but moves in the direction of the arrow at an angle to the toe and heel, ma king it much easier for the foot portion of the form to leave the stocking than if moved in the direction of the length of the stocking.

After the wide portion of the form has been withdrawn from the foot of' the stocking, as in Fig. 19, then the weight 121 re turns the toe gripper until it comes in contact with the stop 119, there being sufficient tension on the foot of the stocking to hold it in the proper position while the foot portion of the form passes through the narrow ankle portion of the stocking and finally through the leg portion of the stocking.

It will be noticed upon referring to Fig. 19 that the foot portion of the form bears such a relation to the grippers that as it is withdrawn through the leg portion of the stocking it acts as aspreader so as to remove any wrinkles and it will leave the stocking in a comparatively flat condition.- The grippers not only hold the stocking, but also turn on the pivot assuming the position illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20, which allows the stocking to assume a position parallel with the movement of the stocking form. The cam mechanism is so formed that when the form leaves a stocking, the grippers release the toe and heel and allow the stocking to drop upon the movableplatform 123 normally resting directly above the curved table 124. The

platform 123 is guided by a rod 129 supported brackets 125 projecting from the bed gfthemachine, and is moved into and out ofpositionby a lazy tongs 128 connected to one arm of azlever 127 pivotally mounted on thecbd and the short arm of the lever is in the path of the carrier. The carrier strikes the arm after the stocking form leaves.

.cam 142 is such that as each stocking is the stocking, retracting the platform .123. The grippers are opened at this point, allowing the stocking to drop onto the curved table124. This withdrawal of the platform tend sito spread the. leg of the stocking and allows it to ,drop forward onto the table.

After the carrier passes the short arm of the lever 1.27 it strikes the long arm of the lever 126, which is also pivoted to the bed of the machine and is connected to the lever 127 by a link and the moment the carrier strikes this lever 126 the platform is again projected over the table and remains there until another stocking has been located in position and theform removed therefrom.

As one stocking after another is dropped ontothe table, the table is lowered until a givennumber of stockings are piled thereon. Then these stockings are automatically discharged from the table by tilting the same and counting mechanism is arranged so as to insure a given number of stockings being discharged at intervals.

The means for operating the table and the counting mechanism is as follows: The table 124 is attachedto one arm of alever 130 pivoted at 131 to a bracket 132 secured 137 .in the present instance, so that the table will normally rest in the raised position. In the present instance, we have provided adjustable counting mechanism so that twenty-four stockings, or any desired number, will accumulate on the table before they are discharged therefrom.

On the shaft 40 is a cam 138 and on the lever is a hinged plate 139 and projecting back of the plate is a fixed guide 140 attached to the bracket 132. After twenty-four stockings have accumulated on the table. the lever swings on its pivot so that the stockings will slide off of the table and the hinged plate will be projected by the guide 140 in the path of the cam 138, the cam being notched to accommodate the plate when the lever turns, but the cam will immediately lift the lever through the medium of the plate and when the first stock-.

placedon the table, thetable is lowered a given distance so that the top of the pile of stockings will always have thesame relation to. theplatform 123.

144 a sdiskilhaving a series .of notches 145 in its periphery. There are twenty-four notches, in the present instance, one for each stocking, and on the cam 138 is a pin 146 which enters one notch after another and acts as a star wheel in giving motion to the disk 144 from the shaft 40. By adding a pin 116*, Fig. 10, twelve stockings will accumulate instead of twenty-four and the =number of stockings accumulating may be receive the stockings as they are discharged.

soon as they have been discharged from the machine the operator removes them y from the bar, or other support, and carries a portion of a form passes through the legthem away therefrom.

The general operation of the machine is as follows: The drying chamber is heated to the proper degree and the proper sized stocking forms are placed upon the carriers. The operator stands in front of the machine and care-fully places the stockings on the forms and-sees that they are drawn down evenly thereon. After a stocking is properly mounted on a form, it is carried forward by the conveying mechanism, then moved, on edge, through the slot in the drier and traversed therethrough. The forms accumulate in the drier until the last carrier pushes the first carrier into the path of the discharge cam at the opposite end of the machine. This cam engages the carrier and the forms pass out of the drier through the slot and are allowed to move into a horizontal position directly over the platform 123 with the toe of a stocking resting on the lower member of the toe'and heel grippers. The upper members are then projected over the stocking and engage it at the toe and heel, while the 'carr ier is moved longitudinally at the front of the'bed and withdraws each form, in turn, from each stocking. 1 As before remarked, the forms are withdrawn from the stockings at an angle to the longitudinal line of the leg so as to allow the foot of a form to be easily withdrawn from the foot of a stocking and from the narrow ankle portion of the stocking and as the foot portion, it acts as a spreader pressing the stocking, removing the creases therefrom, and leaving it in a comparatively flat condition. When the carrier reaches a point where the form is about. to leave a stocking, then it strikes a lever which withdraws theplatform 123 and allows the stocking to drop onto the table 124. The rippers release the. stocking immediately a ter 1t drops drying chamber, with mechanism for cononto the table. As the carrier moves forward, it strikes another lever and projects the platform 123 to receive another stocking. One stocking after another is withdrawn from its form and is discharged onto the pile on the table, the table receding as the pile accumulates and, after a given number of stockings, in the present instance twenty-four, has accumulated on the table, 1 they are automatically discharged by the table tilting and are then removed from the machine.

It will be understood that while we have shown means for drying stockings, as a veying the forms, with stockings thereon, through the chamber, in some instances the chamber may be dispensed with and the heat'may be applied directly to the stocking forms, or the stockings may be subjected to a current of hot air Without using the inclosing chamber.

We wish to claim broadly, in this application, the means for automatically removing a stocking from a stocking form without limiting the invention to anv specific means for drying the stockings. Furthermore, if it is desirable to singe the stockings on a form from which the stockings must be removed, the mechanism can be readily used in connection with a singeing apparatus.

In the description, we have used the technical term form on which the stockings are mounted, but it will be understood that these forms are suitably shaped and may be made of wood, metal, or other suitable material, and may be solid, or hollow, as found most expedient.

The drying mechanism for drying stockings by steam heat illustrated and described in this application is fully set forth and claimed in a companion application filed May 17-, 1913, Serial No. 768,272, as we wish broadly to .cover in this application the means for removing a stocking from a form irrespective of the method of drying the same or whether the mechanism is used in connection with a drier or other apparatus.

In the foregomg description and in the claims we have used the term gripping mechanism and by this we intend to cover and include any device which is designed to grip a stocking at the foot portlon and either hold it, while the board is being removed, without rumpling the stocking to any extent, or to remove the stocking while the board is being held.

We claim r 1. The combination in a machine for removing a stocking from a stocking form. of a form; means for posltively gripping the foot portion only of a stocklng, and mechanism for im arting longitudinal movement to one or e other of sald parts,

whereby a stocking is removed from the form.

2. The combination in means for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier therefor; means for traversing the carrier; and gripping ,mechanism for positively engaging and holding the foot portion of a stocking While the form is removed therefrom.

3. The combination in means for removing a stocking from a stocking form, of a form; a carrier therefor; and two grippers, one arranged to engage the heel and the other the toe of a stocking.

4. The combination in means for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier therefor, said carrier forming one element; two grippers arrangedto engage respectively the toe and heel of a stocking, and forming the other element; and means for moving one of said elements to remove a stocking from its form.

The combination in a machine for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier therefor; tWo grippers; one engaging the toe and the other the heel of a stocking; means 'for holding the grippers; and means for traversing the carrier so as to remove the form from the stocking while it is held by the grippers.-

6. The combination in a machine for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier therefor; two grippers; means for actuating the grippers, one of said grippers engaging the toe and the other the heel of a stocking; one of said grippers being free to move toward the other gripper during the first movement of the form from the stocking.

7. The combination in a machine for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier therefor; two grippers, one engaging the toe of a stocking and the other the heel thereof; and means for actuating the grippers; the toe gripper being independently movable with respect to the heel gripper, so that, on the first move ment of the form as it leaves the stocking, the toe gripperwill move toward the heel gripper to allow the heel portion of a stockmg to be moved from the heel of the. form.

8. The combination in means for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier; guides for the carrier; grippers engaging the foot portion of a stocking and arranged at an angle with respect to the guides; means for actuating the grippers; and means for moving the carrier along the guides in aline at an angle to the longitudinal line of the leg of astocking, whereby the foot portion of the stocking form will pass through the ankle portion of the stocking and will spread the leg portion of the stocking.

means for turning the frame as the form is withdrawn from the stocking. i

10. The combination of a stocking form; a carrier therefor; a guide therefor; means for traversing the carrier in the guide; two

grippers for engaging the heel and the toe of a stocking; means for actuating the grippers; a frame on which the grippers are mounted, the toe gripper being free t slide on the frame toward the heel gripper; and a counterbalance for said toe gripper, so that, as a stocking board is removed from a stocking, the toe gripper will move toward the heel gripper and, after the heel of the form has passed the heel of the stocking, the toe gripper-will return to its normal position.

11. The combination of a form; acarrier therefor; a guide for the carrier; means for traversing the carrier in the guide; a frame; two grippers on the frame, one engaging the heel and the other engaging the toe of a stocking, the toe gripper being free to move toward the heel gripper; means for actuating the grippers; a pivot for the frame,said

pivot being located near the heel portion;

and means for turning the frame on its pivot as the stocking fond is withdrawn from the stocking.

12. The combination of a stocking form; a carrier therefor; a guide for the carrier; means for traversing the carrier in the guide; two grippers; a frame on which the "grilipers are mounted; means for actuating the. grippers to engage a stockin a head on which the frame is pivotally mounted:

means for turning the head; and means for 'turning the frame in the head.

13. The combination in means for removmg stocklngs from stocking forms, of a carrier: means for actuating the carrier; two

grippers, one arranged to engage, the heel and the other the toe of a stocking; two rods on which the grippers are mounted: a head on which the rods are mounted, said head having a spindle; a second head in which the spindle is mounted; a hollow shaft rigidly connected to the second head; means for turning the said shaft; a tubular shaft mounted in the hollow shaft and connected to the spindle of the first mentioned head: means for turning the said tubular shaft; a shaft extending through the tubular shaft and connected to one of the rods carried by I the first mentioned head; means connecting the said rod with the-movable portion of L each gripper; and means for turning the last mentioned shaft to open and close the grippers. O

14. The combination in a gripper for engaging the foot of a stocking consisting of two fixed jaws and two movable jaws; bearings carrying the fixed jaws; rods on which the bearings are mounted; a head carrying the rods, one of said rods being free to turn in the head; movable jaws pivoted on the other rod; arms on the first mentioned rod connected to the movable jaws so that, when the said rod is turned,'the movable portions of the grippers will be moved toward or from the fixed jaws of the grippers, the head having a hollow spindle; a second head in which the spindle is mounted; a hollow shaft; means connecting the hollow shaft with the second head so that, on turning the said hollow shaft, the head and the entire gripping mechanism will be rotated around the hollow shaft; an arm on the spindle of the first mentioned head; a tubular shaft mounted in the hollow shaft and having an arm; a rod connecting the two arms so that; on turning the tubular shaft, the first mentioned' head will be rotated in the second head; a bracket on the second head; a bell crank lever pivoted to the bracket; a rod connected to one arm of the bell crank lever and an armon the movable rod which sup ports the grippers and to which thefother end of the rod is connected; a shaft extending through the tubular'shaft and having an arm; and a rod connecting said arm with v the other armof the bell crank lever so that; on turning the shaft, the grippers will be opened and closed.

15. The combination in means for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form: means for carrying the forms; grippers for engaging the foot of a stocking; a driven shaft; three cams thereon; three racks actuated, the cams; three vertical shafts having pinions thereon, the pinion of one shaft meshing with one rack, the pins ion of another shaft meshing with another rack, and the pinion of the third shaft meshing with the third rack; a head to which one of said shafts is rigidly connected; a second head having a spindle mounted in the first mentioned head and connected to one of the other shafts, said second head carrying the gripping mechanism; and the movable jaws of the gripper connected to the 17. In a machine for removing stockings from forms, the combination of a gripper for engaging a stocking consisting of a fixed and a movable member; a series of plungers carried by the movable member; springs mounted back of the head of each plunger;

and means for limiting the outward movement of the plungers.

18. In a machine for removing. stockings from stocking forms, the combination of a gripper having a movable and a fixed jaw; and a plunger mounted on one of said elements, said plunger having a ribbed face arranged to bear against the surface of the stocking.

19. The combination in a machine for reing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier therefor; a guide for the carrier; means for traversing the carrier in the guidefmeans for holding the'stocking form in" the upright position during a portion of-its travel in the guide; means for turning the form into a horizontal position during a certain portion of its travel; grippers for engaging the stocking on the stocking'form when the form is in the horizontal -position;and. means for actuating the gripperspfl 21. The combination in means for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier thereforya guide for the carrier; a pivotal connection between the stockin form and the carrier; means for traversing the carrier in the guide; a cam for turning the form onits pivot; a gripper for engaging a stocking on a stocking form after the cam has turned the form; and means for actuating the gripper.

22, The combination in means for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; ,a carrier; a pivotal connection between vthe carrier and the form; a right angled guide for the carrier; means for traversing the carrier in the'guide; a cam for controlling the movement ofthe board from aveitieal to a horizontal position; a gripperfor grippi g the {toe and the heel ,portions of a stocking so as to hold the stocking while'the carrier, with the form, continues its movement; and means for actuating the i pe 23. The combination in a machine for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier therefor; a pivotal connecnism arranged to engage the foot portion of .the stocking when the .form is in the horizontal position, so that, upon the continued movement of the carrier and the form, the form will be withdrawn from the stocking; and means for actuating the gripping mechanism.

24. The combination in a machine for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier therefor; a pivotal connection between the form and the carrier; an endless angular guide for the carrier; means for traversing the carrier in the guide; a .rail for retaining the form in the vertical position; a cam plate forcontrolling the movement of the form from the vertical to the horizontal position; a fixed guide for supportingthe form in a horiz'ontal position; grippersfor gripping the foot end of a stocking when the form is in the horizontal position, so that, on the:furthermovement of the form, it will be removed from its stocking; and means for actuating thegrippers.

25; The combination in.a machine for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier; a pivotal connection between the form and the carrier, said carrier having a projecting portion; a driven shaft; a cam thereon for-traversing the form; a second cam on said shaft extendin parallel with the first mentioned cam and orming a slot through which the projection on the carrier extends, so as to control the carrier; means ;.for holding the form in a vertical position-; means for moving the form into the horizontal position; grippers for engaging the :foot end of a stocking when the form 1s in the horizontal position, so that, upon the cofitinued movement .of the carrier andthexform, the form will be removed from. the stocking; and means for actuating the grippers.

26. The combination in a machine for removing stockings from'stocking forms, of a carrier; aguide therefor; ahead on the carrier; abearing in the head; a: bracket having a spindle mounted in the bearing; an

arm on the spindle; two rollers on the arm: a stocking form carried by the bracket a rail on which one of the rollers travels while the stocking form is in a vertical position; and a cam plate for engaging both rollers to turnthe stocking. form from the vertical to. the horizontal position.

27; In a machine for removing stockings from forms, the combination of a carrier; a guide therefor; a head on the carrier having a bearing; a bracket having'ma spindle mounted 1n the bearing; a stoc g form; a clamp for the stocking form having a spindle mounted in the bracket; an arm on the end 'of the spindle; rails on the guide engaging the said arm; an arm on the first mentioned spindle; two rollers on the arm; a guide roller on which one of said rollers travels; and a cam late engaged by both of said rollers when the stocking form is moved from the vertical to the horizontal position.

28. The combination of a carrier; guides therefor; a head on the carrier having a' bearing; a bracket having a spindle mounted in the bearing; a counterweight mounted on the bracket; an arm on the spindle; two rollers mounted in the arm; a rail on which one of said rollers travels; a cam plate engaging both of said rollers; and a stocking form pivotally mounted in the bracket.

29. lhe combination of carrier; .a guide therefor; a head on the carrier having a bearing therein; a stop on the head; a bracket having a spindle mounted in the bearing and having two projections arranged to engage the stop; a stocking form carried by the bracket; and means for turning the bracket in its bearing, one projection on the bracket limiting the movement of the form when it is turned to the vertical position, and the other projection limiting.

the movement when it is turned to the horizontal position. I

30. The combination of a carrier; a head having a bearing therein; a bracket having a spindle mounted in the bearing; a stocking form; a clamp secured to the stocking form; and a spindle on the clamp mounted in the bracket;

31. The combination n a machine for removing stockings from stocking forms, 'of a carrier; a guide; gripping mechanism engaging the foot end of a stocking when the form 1s turned to the horizontal position; means for actuating the gripping mechanism; a table for receiving a stocking; a platform normally resting above the table and arranged to receive stockings, one after the other, as they are released from the.

forms; means acting in conjunction with the forms for withdrawing the platform after the forms are withdrawn fromthe stockcarrier; means for turning the form from the vertical to the horizontal position; grip-- ping mechanism forengagmg the foot end of a stocking when the form is turned to the horizontal postion; means for actuating the grippin mechanism; a table for receiving the stoc rings; a platform normally located above the table and arranged to receive the stockings as they are removed from the forms; means, actuated by the carrier, for withdrawing the platform after it has received the stockings; and means, also actuated by the carrier, for returning the platform to its normal position after the stockings have been discharged onto the table.

' 33. The combination in means for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a form; a carrier therefor; a guide for the carrier; means for turning the form from the vertical to the horizontal position; grippers for engaging the foot portion of a stocking and for holding the stockmg whlle the form is removed therefrom; means for actuating'the grippers; a table arranged to receive the stockings; a platform normally located above the table; and means for retracting the platform in the direction of movement of a stocking while the grippers retain the stocking so that it will be prop arly laid on the table in a flat condition.

34. The combination of a carrier; a stocking form thereon; a guide for the carrier; grippers for engaging the foot portion of a stocking to allow the form to be removed therefrom; means for actuating the grip-' ers; a table located to receive the stockings; a platform normally mounted above the table and arranged to receive the stockings' as they drop from the forms; two levers, one located in advance of the other and one connected to the other with a lazy tongs; and lever mechanism for imparting movement to-the platform, the two levers being in the path of the carrier so that, after the form is withdrawn from the stocking, the carrier strikes first one lever to withdraw the platform and to allow the stocking to be discharged upon the table and then, upon the further movement of the carrier, it will contact with the second lever which will project the platform into its normal position.

35. The combination in a machine for removing stockings from stocking forms, of a carrier; a guide therefor; a form on the carrier; means for turning the form; grippers for engaging the stockmg after the form is turned; means for actuating the grippers; a table arranged to receive the stockings after they are removed from the forms; and means for tilting the table to discharge a stocking therefrom.

36. The combination of a carrier; a guide therefor; a stocking form mounted on the carrier; means for turning the stocking form; grippers for engaging a stocking after the form is turned; means for actuating the grippers; a table located to receive the "stockings; and mechanism for tilting the table after a given number of stockings have accumulated on the table so as to discharge the stockings therefrom.

37. The combination in means for removing forms from a vertical to a horizontal ing stockings from stocking forms, of a carrier; guldes therefor; a stocking form on the carrier; means for turning the form;

grippers for engaging the foot of a stocking after the form has been turned; means for actuating the grippers; a table located so as to receive a stocking after it has been withdrawn from the form; a lever on which the table is mounted; a driven shaft; a cam on the shaft for returning the table to its normal position; a second cam mounted on a shaft; a notched wheel on the shaft of the second cam; a pin on the lever arranged to ride on the second cam; a pin on the first cam arranged to enter the notches in the notched wheel; a guide at the side of the first cam; and a hinged plate carried by the lever and adapted to be forced into the path of the first mentioned cam by the guide after a given number of stockings has been discharged onto the table and when the pin on the arm enters the recess in said second cam, thus allowing the stockings to be discharged from the table, which will be mediately moved to its normal position by the first cam acting upon the hinged plate.

38. In a machine for removing stockings from stocking forms, the combination of a bed having a rectangular guideway therein;

a series of carriers; a stocking form pivotally mounted on each carrier; means for traversing the carriers in the guideway;

means for drying stockings while traversing the guideway; means for turning the stockposition; grippers for engaging the heel and the toe of a stocking so as to allow the form to be withdrawn from the stocking as it travels in the guideway; means for actuating the grippers; a table located to receive a stocking after the form has been withdrawn; means for tilting the table at intervals to discharge the stockings therefrom; and means for turning the form on its pivot, from the horizontal to the vertical position,to again receive a stocking.

39. The combination of a bed; a rectangular guide thereon; a series of carriers arranged to travel in the guide; a stocking form pivotally mounted on each carrier; mechanism for drying stockings while the carriers are traversing one of the longitudinal guides; means, at one end of the bed, for turning the stocking form from the vertical to the horizontal position while it is traversing one of the transverse guides; means for gripping the foot end of a stocking when the carrier reaches the end of said transverse guide and for retaining the stocking while the carrier is traversing the other longitudinal guide; means for turning the stocking form to the vertical posi tion after the stocking has been removed therefrom; and mechanism for actuating the gripping means. 

